Learn more about your health or illness with our health video series.

Cholesterol Management

CWe all need cholesterol to build healthy cells and even hormones. Problems arise however when we have too much in our blood as it can cause fatty build ups which can block arteries.

What is it?

Choleresterol is a building block used by our bodies to build cells and hormones. But when we have to much in our blood it can cause fatty deposits on the lining of the arteries and block the blood flow to the heart.

High cholesterol can be largely preventable through healthy diet and exercise.

Symptoms

High cholesterol has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect high cholesterol.

Causes

Proteins carry cholesterol through the blood. The 'cholesterol/protein complex' is called a lipoprotein. There are a few different types:

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL, or "bad," cholesterol. This is the cholesterol that builds up in your arteries causing blockages.

Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL).

High-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL, or "good," cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.

How do you treat it?

Like any disease, even if there is no cure, there is almost always something you can do to manage it and take control. There are three main areas involved in the treatment of any disease: